Press Releases

Revolutionary wage management app fastPAYE launches after high-profile gaming industry investment

Published

6 years ago

January 21, 2020

‘Game-changing’ zero interest application lets staff drawdown salary early to ease financial pressures; service boosts staff satisfaction for gaming industry employers

fastPAYE, the flexible wage application for the modern workforce, has launched to provide a ground-breaking salary drawdown service that enables gaming businesses to pay staff what they’ve earned early.

Backed by staff scheduling solution ShopWorks, which supplies Grosvenor Casinos, Mecca, Betfred and Paddy Power, and whose chairman is gaming industry veteran Ian Hogg, fastPAYE provides a transparent wage management system that significantly improves employee satisfaction and loyalty.

The initial funding round involved high-profile industry investors, including Mark Blandford, founder of SportingBet, 888 Holding’s chairman Brian Mattingley and the Racing Post’s chief executive and chief editor Alan Byrne, as well as business heavyweights Sir Terry Leahy and Bill Currie.

Unlike other providers on the fast-growing “wage-on-demand” market, employers don’t need credit to pay staff early. fastPAYE’s unique model enables businesses to offer drawdowns before payday based on hours worked via a dedicated safeguard account with Starling Bank, facilitating instant fund transfers and maximum cashflow management with no impact on existing payroll.

fastPAYE research shows that 78% of employees struggle to make funds stretch over the month, particularly in January when those paid before Christmas experience the longest pay gap of the year. When unexpected living expenses arise, many are forced to rely on payday loan, overdraft and credit card alternatives that costs households thousands in interest payments. In 2018, 10 million pay day loans were taken in the UK.

fastPAYE is designed to give staff greater control over their salaries when they need it most to ease money-related stress. With sister company ShopWorks, which has a proven expertise in creating effective workplace technologies utilised by over 150,000 users, fastPAYE is uniquely positioned to take the gaming industry by storm with its cost efficient and flexible model.

Commenting on the launch of fastPAYE, Ian Hogg, chairman of fastPAYE, said: “Through years of experience working with major gaming industry brands as clients of ShopWorks, we understand the pressures caused by the outdated monthly wage system on the sector and how it needs to change.

“Attracting investment from industry stalwarts such as Mark Blandford, Brian Mattingley and Alan Byrne is testament to the value fastPAYE brings to casino and betting businesses and their staff, providing a system that is easy to adopt for all parties and that boosts employee retention.

“We’re letting people access what they’re owed, while at the same time providing employers with a wage management tool that is fast and easy to integrate, and that makes their business a more attractive place to work.”

Cool Bus Shelter

The UAE Lottery backs Cool Bus Shelter initiative for outdoor workers

Published

3 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

the-uae-lottery-backs-cool-bus-shelter-initiative-for-outdoor-workers

The UAE Lottery has partnered with SmartLife Foundation to support outdoor workers during the UAE summer, backing the Cool Bus Shelter initiative in Abu Dhabi on July 20, 2026.

The programme aligns with the UAE’s Midday Break rules, which require outdoor work to stop between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM during peak heat. As part of the initiative, air-conditioned buses were stationed near labour sites to provide workers a place to rest before returning outdoors.

Volunteers from The UAE Lottery and SmartLife Foundation provided cold towels, cold water and drinks, according to the organisations. Workers also received portable rechargeable neck fans intended to provide additional cooling after the break.

Suzan Kazzi, Associate Director – Corporate Social Responsibility at Momentum- The UAE Lottery, said: “Outdoor workers are the backbone of our cities’ urban development, and initiatives like the Cool Bus Shelter ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve during the most challenging months of the year. This is our small way of saying thank you and reminding them that their wellbeing truly matters”.

Abhijeet Oak, Vice President at SmartLife Foundation, added: “At SmartLife Foundation, we believe that protecting the wellbeing of outdoor workforce is a shared responsibility. Through the Cool Bus Shelter initiative, we are proud to collaborate with organizations such as The UAE Lottery and other community partners to create moments of comfort, appreciation and human connection that leave a lasting impact”.

The post The UAE Lottery backs Cool Bus Shelter initiative for outdoor workers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Africa

Playson partners with Hollywoodbets for South Africa slots rollout

Published

5 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

playson-partners-with-hollywoodbets-for-south-africa-slots-rollout

Playson has partnered with South African operator Hollywoodbets to roll out a selection of its slot titles to players in South Africa’s regulated market, the company said on 20th July 2026.

Under the deal, Hollywoodbets will integrate Playson content via Light & Wonder’s aggregation platform. The operator said the addition will broaden its “live games” portfolio.

The initial rollout includes Coin Strike: Hold and Win, Thunder Coins: Hold and Win, Thunder Coins XXL: Hold and Win, Diamonds Power: Hold and Win, Energy Coins: Hold and Win and 3 Carts of Gold: Hold and Win, with more releases planned.

Blanka Homor, Sales Director at Playson, said: “Partnering with Hollywoodbets represents another important milestone in our African growth strategy. As one of South Africa’s household names, Hollywoodbets offers an outstanding platform through which we can introduce our high-performing portfolio to an even wider audience.

“We are confident our games will resonate strongly with players, and we look forward to building a successful long-term partnership together.”

Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, said: “Playson’s portfolio has earned an excellent reputation for delivering engaging gameplay and consistent results across regulated markets, making it a valuable addition to our product offering.

“We are always looking to enhance the entertainment experience available to our players, and we are delighted to welcome a selection of Playson’s top-performing titles to the Hollywoodbets platform.”

The post Playson partners with Hollywoodbets for South Africa slots rollout appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Alberta

Greentube goes live in Alberta as province opens regulated iGaming

Published

6 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

greentube-goes-live-in-alberta-as-province-opens-regulated-igaming

Supplier secures AGLC registration and extends its Canadian footprint beyond Ontario, where it has been live since 2022.

Greentube has gone live in Alberta on the day the province opened as a newly regulated iGaming market, marking the supplier’s first launch in the jurisdiction.

The NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division said it completed regulatory and technical due diligence and secured registration with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission to operate in the province. Alberta becomes only the second Canadian province to regulate iGaming after Ontario, with the new framework replacing the monopoly previously held by Play Alberta.

The Alberta launch builds on Greentube’s existing Canadian footprint. The company has been live in Ontario since 2022 and described the Alberta debut as part of its wider North American expansion strategy.

Greentube said Alberta players will initially have access to a curated set of titles including Piggy Prizes Wand of Riches 2, Rumble Riches Haulin’ Gold and Firecracker Frenzy Money Toad, as well as Silver Lux Big Win Spinner, Starlight Jackpots Captain’s Catch and Charming Lady’s Boom.

David Bolas, Commercial Director at Greentube, said: “Going live in Alberta on the day the market opens is an important step for Greentube and reflects the strong momentum we are seeing in Canada.

“We welcome the opportunity a new jurisdiction offers and look forward to working with locally licensed operators to introduce our established offering to players in Alberta. With a balanced line-up of new releases and proven performers, we are well placed to offer a compelling experience in the province and support our long-term ambitions in the region.”

The post Greentube goes live in Alberta as province opens regulated iGaming appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.